Sidmouth bowlers recently returned from the 32nd annual three-day bowls and entertainment break at the Toorak Hotel in Torquay, writes Carol Smith.

This year, it was organised by Tony Broughton and Deborah Robertson. Over the three days, they arranged six matches against local clubs and one visiting club from Oxfordshire. The hotel has four full-sized indoor bowling rinks and a beautiful blue, rather than green, carpet. 

Of the six games played, Sidmouth won four and lost two, so a good result. Each day, prizes were given for the top rink. The final match of the tour saw Brian Deam, Samantha Broughton, Chas Coates and skip Clive Brook score a magnificent 27 - 7 shots.

It also enabled Samantha, who has only been bowling since last November, to become Top Lady of the Tour with 48 shots. A very close second was Anita Mason with 47 shots and third Chris Radburn with 45 shots. 

Top Man was Brian Deam with 63 shots, second Chas Coates with 51 and third Clive Brook with 48.  Everyone had a great time, with good food, good company and great bowling, so many thanks to Tony and Deborah for all their hard work.

Sidmouth Herald: Tour Winners Brian and Samantha

Sidmouth also played a friendly at home against a team from Topsham. Topsham only has an outdoor green but many of them play at Isca during the winter season. Unfortunately, they arrived with just two rinks of triples, it should have been three rinks.

Luckily, it doesn't happen too often but if you are unable to field enough players, you would normally inform the opposition. Anyway, Sidmouth won on both rinks with excellent scores.   

Top rink was Debbie Leeds, Sue Clint and skip Scott Archer, 20 – 9, followed by Bert Hague, Anita Mason and skip John Mason, 21-13. Great overall score, Sidmouth 41 Topsham 22.

Finally, a Ladies friendly against Budleigh Salterton. This is always just two rinks, as Budleigh only has two indoor rinks. Sidmouth ladies were not very friendly with the scores, as we won heavily on both rinks and overall 46 - 14. Julie Wevill, Debbie Leeds and skip Jill Bishop won 24 – 6, while Lynn Pike, Elaine Reed and skip Jane Painter performed superbly to triumph 22 - 8.